Tie-down system and method for semipermanent structure

ABSTRACT

An anchoring system for facilitating anchoring of a semipermanent structure during high wind conditions and associated method. The anchoring system comprising an elongate strap having opposed first and second ends, and the strap having an adjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a length of the strap. A pair of opposed anchor elements, each one of the pair of anchor elements being coupled to one of the first and second ends of the strap, and each anchor element contacting a ground surface to facilitate anchoring of the anchor element to the ground. Following embedding the anchor elements in the ground, the length of the strap is adjusted to provide sufficient tension to the semipermanent structure and anchor the semipermanent structure to the ground during the high wind conditions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for securing mobilehomes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed ortransportable structures during high winds such as hurricanes,tornadoes, twisters, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

High winds, such as those generated during hurricanes, tornadoes,twisters, etc., can typically cause devastation to a variety ofdifferent structures. This is particularly true with respect to mobilehomes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed ortransportable structures. Damage frequently occurs to these structureswhen the winds either blow or topple the structure over or lift thestructure from its foundation or other originally stored position andcarry the structure to another location. In either instance, once thestructure is moved from foundation or its originally stored position,generally significant damage or complete destruction of the structurewill occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome theabove-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with maintaining astructure on its foundation or its originally stored position.

It is a further object of the present invention is to provide a methodand system for securing mobile homes, trailers, other movable dwellingsand smaller fixed or transportable structures during high windconditions so the structure remains on its foundation or at its originaloriginally stored position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and asystem which are relatively quickly installed for securing mobile homes,trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportablestructures and can be readily removed once the high wind conditions havesubsided.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method andsystem for securely anchoring mobile homes, trailers, other movabledwellings and smaller fixed or transportable structures to the ground toensure that such structures are less likely to be removed from theirfoundation or originally stored and stationary position during high windconditions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to permanently embed aplurality of anchor elements into the ground and spaced about aperimeter of the mobile home, trailer, other movable dwelling or smallerfixed or transportable, e.g., in a concrete slab supporting thestructure, for example, so that the anchor elements are permanentlyretained therein and blend with the natural environment, but are readilyaccessible in the event that high wind conditions occur.

The present invention also relates to an anchoring system forfacilitating anchoring of a semipermanent structure during high windconditions, the anchoring system comprising an elongate strap havingopposed first and second ends, and the elongate strap having anadjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a length of the elongatestrap; first and second opposed anchor elements, the first anchorelement being coupled to the first end of the elongate strap and thesecond anchor element being coupled to the second end of the elongatestrap with the strap passing over a roof of the semipermanent structure,and the first and second anchor elements contacting a ground surface tofacilitate anchoring of the first and second anchor elements to theground and retention of the semipermanent structure in its currentposition.

The present invention also relates to a method of securing asemipermanent structure in its current position during high windconditions, the method comprising the steps of: anchoring a first anchorelement to the ground at a location adjacent the semipermanentstructure; anchoring a second anchor element to the ground at adjacentan opposite location of the semipermanent structure; connecting a firstend of an elongate strap to the first anchor element and passing theelongate strap over a roof of the semipermanent structure and connectingthe opposite end of the elongate strap to the second anchor element; andadjusting a length of the strap to provide sufficient tension to thesemipermanent structure and anchor the semipermanent structure to theground so that the semipermanent structure remains in its currentposition during the high wind conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing one arrangement for the anchoringsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line 2-2 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of an anchor element having atrailing end which connectable to one end of the strap;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a coupling member for coupling one endof the strap to an anchor element;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic end view showing a second arrangement for theanchoring system for use with a slab;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic end side elevational view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic enlarged partial view showing the attachment ofthe anchor element to the slab;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view showing the anchor elementfor a newly poured slab;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing a third arrangement forthe anchoring system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line 10-10of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a strap with a pair ofJ-hooks and a ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism for use with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1-4, a first embodiment of the present inventionwill now be described. As can be seen in this embodiment, the anchorsystem is generally designated as 2 and comprises a plurality ofseparate anchoring components 4. Each one of the anchoring components 4generally comprises a pair of spaced apart and opposed anchor stakes orelements 6 which, during use, are embedded in the ground G andinterconnected or coupled to one another via an elongate strap 8 whichhas a conventional ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 whichfacilitates length adjustment of the strap 8 (see FIG. 11). Each opposedend of the adjustable strap 8 terminates in a looped configuration orend 12 which is conventional and well known in the art. The strap 8 istypically a flexible member manufactured from nylon, polyester,polypropylene, Fiberglass®, etc. and has a tensile strength ofpreferably at least 3,000 p.s.i. Each strap 8 typically has a length ofbetween about 15 feet and about 120 feet, and more preferably a lengthof between about 25 feet and about 75 feet.

Each anchor stake or element 6 (see FIG. 3) typically has a pointedleading end or tip 14 that facilitates driving the anchor stake orelement 6 into the ground G or other supporting surface. The oppositeend of the anchor stake or element 6 is provided with an eye hook 16 tofacilitate attachment of the strap thereto, e.g., attachment of one ofthe looped ends 12 of the elongate strap 8 thereto via a coupling member20 or a J-hook 21, etc., as will be describe below in further detail.The end of the anchor stake or element 6, carrying the eye hook 16, willtypically have a flat or an enlarged head 18 to facilitate driving theanchor stake or element 6 into the ground G by use of a sledge hammer orsome other conventional anchor stake or element driving tool. Eachanchor stake or element 6 is typically manufactured from a metallicmaterial, such as iron, steel, stainless, aluminum, etc., or some otherstrong but durable synthetic material and has a length L of betweenabout 12 inches and about 50 inches, and more preferably has a length ofbetween about 18 inches and about 30 inches.

A removable coupling member 20 (see FIG. 4), such as a conventionalmetallic C-shaped bracket 22 with a removable bolt 24, facilitatescoupling the loop end 12 of the strap 8 to the eye hook 16 of arespective anchor stake or element 6 to ensure permanent retention ofthe strap 8 thereto when using of the anchor system 2 during high windconditions. Alternatively, the loop end 12 of the strap 8 may have aJ-hook 21 permanently attached thereto, in a conventional manner, whichcan directly attach to the eye hook 16 of a respective anchor stake orelement 6.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of anchor components 4,e.g., at least 2 and preferably 4 or more spaced apart anchor components4, are arranged to secured the manufactured housing, mobile home,trailer, other movable dwelling and smaller fixed or transportablestructure (“semipermanent structure 26”) to the ground G. Preferably, atleast one anchor component 4 is arranged along the length of thesemipermanent structure 26 while typically at least one anchor component4 is arranged along the longitudinal width of the semipermanentstructure 26. As can be seen in FIG. 1, six (6) anchor components 4 arearranged along the length of the semipermanent structure 26 while two(2) anchor components 4 are arranged along the longitudinal width of thesemipermanent structure 26.

When an occupant of the semipermanent structure 26 determines thathis/her semipermanent structure 26 may be exposed or subjected to windconditions in excess of 50-75 m.p.h. or so (“high wind conditions”), forexample, the occupant will install the anchor system 2 to thesemipermanent structure 26. The occupant will first drive the pointedleading end or tip 14 of one of the anchor stakes or elements 6 into theground G, in a conventional manner, at a spaced distance D of betweenabout one foot and thirty feet, for example, from the semipermanentstructure 12, more preferably at a spaced distance D of between 5 and 20feet from the semipermanent structure 26. Next, the occupant will thendrive another anchor stake or element 6 at a similar spaced distance Dalong an opposite side of the semipermanent structure 26. Each anchorstake or element 6 should be driven into the ground G a sufficientdistance, e.g., at least six inches or so, more preferably driven intothe ground G by a distance of between 12 inches and about two feet or soto insure that the anchor stake or element 6 is sufficiently driven intoand secured to the ground G so that anchor stake or element will notbecome loose or dislodged therefrom during the high wind conditions,especially if the ground G becomes saturated with water due to rain orother moisture being deposited by a passing storm system associated withthe high wind conditions.

Once each pair of opposed anchor stakes or elements 6 is sufficientlydriven into the ground, the occupant will then connect one looped end 12of one of the elongate straps 8 to the eye hook 16 of a first anchorelement 6 using the removable coupling member 20, or a J-hook 21, etc.,and then will pass the strap 8 over the top of the roof R of thesemipermanent structure 26 and then secure the opposite looped end 12 ofthe strap 8 to the eye hook 16 of the opposed anchor stake or element 6using another removable coupling member 20, or a J-hook 21 or possiblypass the strap directly through the opening of the eye hook 16 and thenengage that end with the conventional ratchet-type strap tensioningmechanism 10 already engaged or supported by an intermediate portion ofthe strap 8.

The operator will then apply suitable tension to the strap 8, byoperation of the ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 in aconventional manner, so that the strap 8 is sufficiently tightened andapplies a slightly biasing force to the semipermanent structure 26 whichbiases the semipermanent structure 26 downward toward the ground G orother supporting surface, i.e., to retain the semipermanent structure 26on its foundation or originally stored and stationary position duringhigh wind conditions. The occupant will repeat this procedure a desirednumber of times along the length of the semipermanent structure 26and/or width of the semipermanent structure 26. After the high windconditions pass, the occupant will reverse the above described steps toremove each one of the anchoring components 4 from the non-permanentstructure 26.

It is to be appreciated that the number of anchoring components 4 to beapplied to the semipermanent structure 26 will depend upon a number offactors, e.g., the overall length and the width of the semipermanentstructure 12, the wind speed of the anticipated high wind conditions ofthe passing storm system, whether or not the semipermanent structure 26will be directly exposed to or is partially sheltered from the high windconditions, etc. For many applications, the occupant will install atleast two anchor components 4 which extends transversely to the lengthof the semipermanent structure 26 and may also install at least oneanchor component 4 which extends transversely to the width of thesemipermanent structure 26. In many applications, at least of the twoanchor components 4 will cris-cross over one another. It is to beappreciated that if the semipermanent structure 26 is sufficiently wide,it is possible to install three or more anchoring components 4 along thelength of the semipermanent structure 26 while also installing at leasttwo anchoring components 4 along the width of the semipermanentstructure 26.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-7, a second embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described. As this embodiment is similar to thefirst embodiment, identical elements will be given identical referencenumerals and only the differences between this embodiment and the priorembodiment will be discussed in detail.

As conventional and known in the art, a number of mobile homes,trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportablestructures are typically stored or located on a slab 30 of some sort,e.g., concrete, mortar, brick, tar, etc. The slab 30 is generally aunitary component, quite heavy and is at least partially embedded orsubmerged into the ground G. Due to such inherent properties of the slab30, it generally provides a good base for anchoring or embedding theanchor elements 6′. Typically the semipermanent structure 26 will reston a plurality of spaced cinder or other support blocks 32 which form afoundation, along with the slab 30, for the semipermanent structure 26.As is also conventional in the art, a skirt 33 (only partially shown inFIG. 6) may be provided about the periphery of the semipermanentstructure 26 to cover the gap between the bottom of the semipermanentstructure 26 and top surface 34 of the slab 30 and provide aestheticfinish for the semipermanent structure 26. For the sake a clarity, theskirt is partially shown only in FIG. 6 to facilitate a betterunderstanding of the invention.

In order to adapt an existing slab 30 for use with the presentinvention, a number of spaced apart holes 36 (see FIG. 7), between fourand twenty, for example, are drilled into the slab 30 about theperimeter of the slab 30. The holes 36 may be drilled directly under thesemipermanent structure 26 so that they are generally hidden from viewwhen the skirt 33 is installed about the periphery of the semipermanentstructure 26 or the holes 36 may be spaced a distance D of between abouttwo and 15 feet from the base of the semipermanent structure 26, asdiscussed above with the previous embodiment. Each hole 36 typically hasa dimension of between ¼ of an inch to about 2 inches or so and is sizedfor readily receive a threaded anchor element 6′. For each anchorelement 6′ of this embodiment, a major portion of the leading end 35 ofeach anchor element 6′ is threaded.

Once a desired number of holes 36 are drilled into the slab 30 about theperiphery thereof, a nut 38 is first threaded onto the leading end 35 ofone of the anchor elements 6′ and then a suitable washer 40 (e.g., a 2inch steel plate, for example) is placed on the anchor element 6′adjacent the nut 38. Thereafter, the leading end 35 of the that anchorelement 6′ is then passed though the hole 36 so that the washer 40 abutsagainst the top surface 34 of the slab 30 and the leading end 35 of theanchor element 6′ projects a sufficient distance out through the bottomsurface 31 of the slab 30 and is accessible. If necessary, the relativepositions of the nut 38 and the washer 40 with respect to the threadedportion of the anchor element 6′ can be adjusted by rotation of the nut38 is a desired rotational direction.

Next, a second washer 40′ (e.g., a 2 inch steel plate, for example) anda second nut 38′ then engage with the threaded portion of the leadingend 35 of the anchor element 6′ and the nut 38′ is sufficientlytightened to sandwich the slab 30 the between the pair of nuts 38, 38′in a conventional manner. It is to be appreciated that the dirt orground G beneath the slab 30 and adjacent each hole 36 will generallyhave to be cleared away to make sufficient room for the leading end 35of the anchor element 6′, the second nut 38′ and the second washer 40′.Once this is completed, the dirt will be replaced to cover the leadingend 35 of the anchor element 6′, the second nut 38′ and the secondwasher 40′. Following each anchor element 6′ installation, the eye hook16 of the anchor element 6′ is located adjacent, but spaced above thetop surface 34 of the slab 30. If desired, a larger counterbore 41 (seeFIG. 8, for example) can also be drilled in the slab 30 to eitherpartially or completely recess the eye hook 16 of the anchor element 6′with respect to the top surface 34 of the slab 30 to minimize or preventan individual from inadvertently stepping on or tripping over the eyehook 16 when it is not in use.

As with the first embodiment, when the occupant anticipates that thesemipermanent structure 26 will be subjected to high wind conditions,the occupant will connect one looped end 12 of an elongate strap 8 to afirst one of the eye hooks 16 of the anchor element 6′, via one of theremovable coupling members 20 a J-hook 21, etc., and pass the oppositeend of the elongate strap 8 over the roof R of the semipermanentstructure 26. Next, the occupant will connect the opposed looped end 12of the strap 8 with the eye hook 16 of the opposed anchor element 6′,via another removable coupling member 20, a J-hook 21, etc., or possiblypass the strap directly through the eye hook 16 and then engage that endwith the ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 secured to anintermediate portion of the strap 8. Once this has occurred, theoccupant will suitably tighten the elongate strap 8, via operation ofthe ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 in a conventional manner,to apply suitable tension to the semipermanent structure 26. Thisprocedure is repeated a desired number of times until all the desiredanchoring elements 4 are installed and securely fasten the semipermanentstructure 26 to the slab 30 during the anticipated high wind conditions.After the high wind conditions pass, the occupant will reverse the stepsto remove each one of the anchoring components 4 from the non-permanentstructure 26.

In the event that a new slab 30′ is being poured as a foundation for asemipermanent structure 26 (see FIG. 8), the outer periphery of the slab30′ can have a plurality of anchor elements 6″ embedded directlytherein, during the slab concrete pouring process (either directly underthe perimeter of the semipermanent structure 26 so that they will begenerally hidden by the skirt 33 or spaced outwardly a desired distancetherefrom. According to this embodiment, the leading end 35 of theanchor elements 6″ is T-shaped or otherwise has an enlarged head 37 tofacilitate securely anchoring each anchor element 6″ within the slab 30′and prevent removal therefrom. As discussed above, the eye hook 16 ofeach anchor element 6″ can either project slightly above (the anchorelement on the right of FIG. 8), be substantially coincident with (notshown) or be recessed slightly below the top surface 34 of the slab 30′(the anchor element on the left of FIG. 8), depending upon theparticular desire of the occupant.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a detailed description concerninga third embodiment will now be provided. As this embodiment is somewhatsimilar to the previous embodiments, identical elements will be givenidentical reference numerals and only the differences between thisembodiment and the prior embodiment will be discussed in detail.

As can be seen in these Figures, the anchor elements 6′″ comprises adeflatable component which has an inlet 42 communicating with aninterior of the anchor elements 6′″ which has an internal storagecapacity of between 8 and 200 gallons more preferably between about 30and about 100 gallons. Each one of these anchor elements 6′″ can beeither be releasably or permanently connected to one (looped) end 12 ofthe elongate strap 8. According to this embodiment, each anchoringcomponent 4 comprises a pair of opposed anchoring elements 6′″ with aninterconnection strap 8 and a ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism10.

When use of this embodiment is desired or necessary, the occupant willplace one of the anchor elements 6′″ on one side of the semipermanentstructure 26 at a desired distance away from the semipermanent structure26, at a spaced distance D of between about 1 and 15 feet or so from thesemipermanent structure 26, and will then remove the removable cover 42and connect a garden hose, or some other supply of water, to the inlet44 of the anchor element 6′″ and typically fill the anchor element 6′″to its maximum storage capacity. Once filled with water, the occupantwill then secure a removable cover 42 to the inlet 44 to seal the waterwithin the interior of the anchor element 6′″.

According to this embodiment, the weight of the water, filling theanchor element 6′″, will function as a sufficient anchor and retain theanchor element 6′″ at its initially installed and filled location. Theoccupant will then place the opposite anchor elements 6′″ on theopposite side of the semipermanent structure 26 at a desired distanceaway from the semipermanent structure 26, at a spaced distance D ofbetween 1 and 15 feet or so from the semipermanent structure 26, removethe removable cover 42 and connect the garden hose to the inlet 44 ofthe second anchor element 6′″ and typically fill the second anchorelement 6′″ to its maximum storage capacity. Once filled, the occupantwill then secure the removable cover 42 to the inlet 44 to seal thewater within the second anchor element 6′″. Finally, the occupant willtighten the strap 8, via operation of the ratchet-type strap tensioningmechanism 10 in a conventional manner, to apply suitable tension to thesemipermanent structure 26 and the two opposed anchor element 6′″ willact as suitable weights to facilitate securing the semipermanentstructure 26 on its foundation or originally stored and stationaryposition.

A preferred strap is a heavy duty 2 inch by 27 foot rachet tie-downstrap 8 which is typically utilized for used in racheting down heavyloads on a flatbed tractor trailer trucks (see FIG. 11). The strap 8 istypically rated for 10,000 pounds p.s.i. and comprises a heavy dutynylon strap with a zinc plated J-hook 21 at each opposed end. Theratchet mechanism 10 includes a large D-size styled ratchet handle whichis conventional and well known in the art.

Although the present invention refers to a coupling member or a J-hook,for example, for interconnecting the strap to the anchor element, it isto be appreciated that other types of connection members, which are wellknown in the art, can also be utilized for the same. Such other knownconnection components, means and mechanisms, for connecting the strap tothe anchor element, are all considered to be within the spirit and scopeon the present invention.

Since certain changes may be made in the above described method andanchoring system for a semipermanent structure, without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intendedthat all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examplesillustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed aslimiting the invention.

1. An anchoring system for facilitating anchoring of a semipermanentstructure during high wind conditions, the anchoring system comprising:an elongate first strap having opposed first and second ends, and thestrap having an adjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a lengthof the first strap; first and second opposed anchor elements, the firstanchor element being coupled to the first end of the first strap and thesecond anchor element being coupled to the second end of the first strapwith the first strap passing, during use, over a roof of thesemipermanent structure, and the first and second anchor elementscontacting a ground surface to facilitate anchoring of the first andsecond anchor elements to the ground retain the semipermanent structurein its current position.
 2. The anchoring system according to claim 1,wherein the anchoring system further comprises: a second elongate straphaving opposed first and second ends, and the second strap having anadjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a length of the secondstrap; third and fourth anchor elements, the third anchor element beingcoupled to the first end of the second strap and the third anchorelement being coupled to the second end of the second strap with thesecond strap passing over the roof of the semipermanent structure, andthe third and fourth anchor elements contacting a ground surface tofacilitate anchoring of the third and fourth anchor elements to theground and retention of the semipermanent structure in its currentposition.
 3. The anchoring system according to claim 2, wherein eachanchor element has a pointed leading end which facilitates driving theanchor element into the ground; an opposite end of each anchor elementhas an eye hook which facilitates attachment of the strap thereto, andthe end of each anchor element, carrying the eye hook, has head whichfacilitates driving the anchor element into the ground.
 4. The anchoringsystem according to claim 3, wherein each anchor element is manufacturedfrom a metallic material and has a length of between about 12 inches andabout 50 inches.
 5. The anchoring system according to claim 1, whereineach strap is manufactured from one of nylon, polyester, polypropylene,Fiberglass®.
 6. The anchoring system according to claim 5, wherein eachstrap has a length of between about 15 feet and about 120 feet.
 7. Theanchoring system according to claim 1, wherein each anchor element has ashaped leading end which facilitates anchoring the leading end in theslab and permanently secure the anchor element in the slab.
 8. Theanchoring system according to claim 1, wherein each anchor element has athreaded leading end which engages with nuts to facilitate anchoring thethreaded leading end to the slab and permanently secure the anchorelement to the slab.
 9. A method of securing a semipermanent structurein its current position during high wind conditions, the methodcomprising the steps of: anchoring a first anchor element to the groundat a location adjacent the semipermanent structure; anchoring a secondanchor element to the ground at adjacent an opposite location of thesemipermanent structure; connecting a first end of an elongate firststrap to the first anchor element and passing the first strap over aroof of the semipermanent structure and connecting the opposite end ofthe first strap to the second anchor element; and adjusting a length ofthe first strap to provide sufficient tension to the semipermanentstructure and anchor the semipermanent structure to the ground so thatthe semipermanent structure remains in its current position during thehigh wind conditions.
 10. The method according to claim 9, furthercomprising the steps of anchoring at least a third anchor element to theground at a location adjacent the semipermanent structure; anchoring atleast a fourth anchor element to the ground at adjacent an oppositelocation of the semipermanent structure; connecting a first end of asecond elongate strap to the third anchor element and passing the secondstrap over a roof of the semipermanent structure and connecting theopposite end of the second strap to the fourth anchor element; andadjusting a length of the second strap to provide sufficient tension tothe semipermanent structure.
 11. The method according to claim 9,further comprising the step of using a ratch tensioning mechanism tofacilitate adjustment of the length of the strap to provide sufficienttension to the semipermanent structure.
 12. The method according toclaim 10, further comprising the step of cris-crossing the first strapwith the second strap with one another on the roof of the semipermanentstructure.
 13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising thestep of anchoring the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchorelements in a slab supported on the ground and the slab anchors thefirst, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements to theground.
 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising thestep of providing a leading end of each of the first, the second, thethird and the fourth anchor elements with an enlarged head to facilitateretention of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchorelements in a slab.
 15. The method according to claim 13, furthercomprising the step of providing a leading end of each of the first, thesecond, the third and the fourth anchor elements with a threaded portionand at least one nut engaged with the threaded portion to facilitateretention of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchorelements to a slab.
 16. The method according to claim 10, furthercomprising the step of anchoring the first, the second, the third andthe fourth anchor elements in the ground by driving a leading end ofeach of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elementsinto the ground by a distance of at least six inches.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising the steps of interconnectingthe first anchor element with the second anchor element via the firststrap to form an anchor component, and each of the first and secondanchor elements having an inlet communicating with an interior of theanchor element to facilitate filling of the interior with a fluid andanchoring of the first and second anchor elements to the ground.